Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 177

Orion's POV

"I should go," I said, glancing at my watch for what felt like the twentieth time. "My father's been messaging me for hours now, and my phone's been vibrating in my pocket non-stop. I need to see him before he gets even angrier."

Thalia looked up at me from where she sat on my couch, her green eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and disappointment. She tucked a strand of her short hair behind her ear and sighed.

"These two hours with you felt like two minutes," she said softly.

I smiled, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms again.

*Don't go. Stay with our mate. She needs us.*

*I can't keep ignoring my father's summons,* I argued back.

Two hours ago, I'd used the excuse of special training to bring Thalia from Silver Moon to my apartment. She'd asked to keep our mate bond a secret for now, preferring to continue living at the Privilege Apartments with the other women in the Moon Alliance Program.

I respected her decision, even if it pained me.

"Is your father really that demanding?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

I considered her question carefully. "My father expects perfection. As a Gamma-level warrior from the Hawthorne family, I spent my childhood in training arenas. He made sure of that."

The thought of my father sent a wave of tension through my body. He would be furious when he learned about Thalia. The Hawthorne family had expectations—expectations that didn't include mating with a woman who wasn't from a powerful Lycan lineage.

"You can stay here a bit longer if you want," I offered, grabbing my jacket from the back of a chair. "There's no rush for you to go back to the Privilege Apartments."

Thalia nodded, her scent shifting to something warmer, happier. "Thank you."

With one last longing look my mate, I forced myself to walk out the door.

---

In my black SUV, driving toward Silver Moon Headquarters, I pondered why my father had summoned me so urgently. After the meeting with the Council of Elders, where Ezra had announced Isolde as his chosen mate and I'd revealed finding my own mate, I thought I'd have at least a day before my father demanded to see me.

*He probably heard rumors about me finding my mate,* I thought, navigating through evening traffic. *And wants to ensure I'm considering someone "appropriate" for the Hawthorne name.*

As Silver Moon's head of security, I juggled multiple responsibilities—protecting the company's assets, managing the underground fighting arena, and serving as one of Ezra's most trusted warriors. The position had been practically predetermined since birth, coming from a long line of werewolf warriors. My father had ensured I never forgot the weight of the Hawthorne name.

The towering Silver Moon Headquarters came into view, its gleaming glass exterior reflecting the city lights. I pulled into the executive parking area, where one of our security personnel, immediately approached to open my door.

"Welcome back, Mr. Hawthorne," he said with a respectful nod.

I stepped out of the vehicle, handing him my keys.

With a nod of acknowledgment, I headed into the building. The elevator took me straight to the executive floor, but when the doors opened, I found my father waiting in the conference room, his expression severe.

*Shit. This can't be good.*

"I sent for you three hours ago," he said without preamble, his voice cold and disapproving.

I straightened my shoulders, falling back on years of training to keep my expression neutral. "I was handling an urgent matter at the Battle Arena."

My father's eyes narrowed. He was dressed impeccably as always, not a single silver hair out of place, his custom suit perfectly tailored to his still-powerful frame. Even in his sixties, he remained an imposing figure in both the business world and werewolf society.

"Is that so?" he asked, clearly not believing me. "And what emergency could possibly take precedence over a direct summons from your family?"

I kept my voice steady. "I always respond to summons as quickly as possible."

"Have you found your mate yet?" he asked abruptly, the question hitting me like a physical blow. "The family needs you to settle down."

My entire body tensed. How did he know? Had someone seen me with Thalia? Or was this just the usual pressure he put on me as the Hawthorne heir?

I hesitated, debating whether to reveal the truth. Talon growled inside me, urging caution.

*Don't tell him about her yet. He'll try to interfere.*

"You should learn from Ezra," my father continued, not waiting for my answer. "Make decisions quickly. You are Silver Moon's security director, the Hawthorne family heir. You need to find a woman and settle down, produce strong heirs. If you don't choose, I will arrange a suitable match for you."

"That won't be necessary," I replied, my voice sharper than intended. "I am perfectly capable of choosing my own mate."

My father's eyes flashed with irritation. "Then she must meet certain standards. She must come from an influential family. She must be versed in business and strategy. Most importantly, she must be a Lycan who will bring benefits to the Hawthorne line."

I couldn't help but scoff. "You're listing the qualities of the kind of woman you want, not my mate."

"Is there a difference?" he countered.

"A significant one," I insisted. "A true mate bond is about connection, not family background or business advantages."

My father's face darkened. "Look at what your sister, she's—"

"A woman spoiled by power and status, willing to do anything to get close to Ezra, even harm innocent people." I cut in.

"Don't speak about Evanthe that way!" he snapped, his anger flaring. "She's only fighting for her future!"

I stood my ground. "The mate I choose will never be like Evanthe. I would rather give up my family position than bind myself to a woman without a true soul connection."

My father's face turned a dangerous shade of red. "If you choose a girl who doesn't meet the Hawthorne standards, I will use every resource at my disposal to end that relationship."

"Try it," I challenged, feeling a surge of protective rage I'd never experienced before. "See if I don't renounce the Hawthorne name for her. See if I don't choose true love over family obligation."

"Orion!" my father roared.

"Father!" I shot back, no longer the obedient son he expected.

I met his gaze unflinchingly. "I respect your position as my father, but you need to understand that some decisions can only be made by me. Choosing my mate is one of them."

He looked genuinely shocked at my rebellion. "I thought I raised an heir loyal to his family, but clearly you've been contaminated by modern nonsense about 'love.'"

"Leave," he ordered, his voice cold. "Come back when you've thought clearly about your family responsibilities."

I turned and walked out, my heart pounding with anger and determination. In my eyes flashed a fierce resolve—my father would never understand what a true mate bond meant, but I had made my decision. I would protect Thalia, no matter the cost.